Rhinoplasty in Thailand

Types of rhinoplasty offered in Thailand

“Rhinoplasty” covers several different operations. Quotes vary widely, so it’s worth knowing which one you’re being offered.

• Augmentation (implant) rhinoplasty. This builds up the bridge of the nose, usually with a shaped silicone implant, and sometimes with cartilage too. It’s very common in Thailand and can often be done under local anaesthetic as a day case.
• Tip-plasty and alar reduction. These refine the tip of the nose, often with a small cartilage graft from the ear, or narrow the nostrils. They’re shorter procedures, sometimes combined with augmentation.
• Reduction and structural rhinoplasty. This reshapes the bone and cartilage, for example to remove a hump, straighten the nose or rebuild the tip. It’s done under general anaesthetic, usually with a night or two in hospital. It may use cartilage from the septum, ear or rib.
• Septorhinoplasty. This combines cosmetic reshaping with correcting the septum (the wall inside the nose) to improve breathing.
• Revision rhinoplasty. This corrects a previous operation. It’s usually more complex and more expensive, so choose a surgeon who does it regularly.

“Open” rhinoplasty uses a small cut across the skin between the nostrils, which gives the surgeon more access. “Closed” rhinoplasty uses cuts inside the nose only. Your surgeon should explain which they recommend and why.

What affects the price

• Technique: an implant is much cheaper than full structural reshaping
• Materials: implant brand, and cartilage from the ear or rib
• Anaesthetic and hospital stay: local versus general, and the number of nights
• The surgeon’s experience, and whether it’s a hospital or a stand-alone clinic
• What’s included: follow-up visits, medicines, splint removal and the revision policy

Always ask for a written, itemised quote. Our cosmetic surgery cost guide explains what a quote should include.

Recovery timeline

Everyone heals differently. This is a typical pattern for surgical rhinoplasty:

• Days 1–3: swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes, packing or splints, and breathing through your mouth. Rest with your head raised.
• About 1 week: the external splint and stitches come out at a follow-up visit. Bruising starts to fade.
• 2 weeks: most people feel comfortable going out, and many surgeons are happy for you to fly around this point.
• 4–6 weeks: you can usually return to exercise, but avoid knocks to the nose and wearing glasses on the bridge until your surgeon says so.
• Up to 12 months: the last of the swelling settles, especially at the tip, and the final shape appears.

Implant-only rhinoplasty under local anaesthetic usually has a quicker recovery.

Risks to ask about

All surgery carries risks. For rhinoplasty, ask your surgeon how often they see:

• bleeding, infection and prolonged swelling
• breathing problems after surgery
• asymmetry, or a result that doesn’t match what you wanted
• for implants: the implant moving, showing through the skin, becoming infected or pushing through (extrusion), which may mean it has to be removed
• needing a revision operation, and what that would cost

Also ask how they’d handle a complication after you’ve flown home.

Choosing a surgeon

Before booking, check that the hospital or clinic is licensed and that your surgeon is registered with the Medical Council of Thailand. Ideally, your surgeon should be a certified plastic surgeon or a facial plastic surgeon who does rhinoplasty regularly. Our guide to choosing a clinic and surgeon shows you how to check all of this online in a few minutes.